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Originally Posted by hazelnut
Bear Islander it is good to have you back.
I'm not sure I agree with the statement that the "Majority" of the boats are capable of violating the Speed Limit. If we want to split hairs here, I guess you could say that. My boat is "capable" of breaking the law but it takes many factors to attain that feat. I outlined it in a prior post. Half tank of gas empty of passengers with a tailwind. I would argue that many of the boats that can "violate the limit" can only do so under perfect conditions as outlined above. I would hardly think that these are the people we are talking about anyway. The subject of this debate is and has always been targeted at the so named GFBL boats. Not my bowrider that is technically "capable" of breaking the limit.
FYI - I do not believe we will be banning any 23 foot center consoles... Yet. ha ha ha. As I said in another post we really don't know what could be next. Swim Caps? No Kayaking in the Broads? No Sailing at Night? Headlight Use on Boats? Give em an inch and.... Well you know the rest.
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The vast majority of accidents do not occur at very high speeds. Collisions between boats occur because of inattention, breaking safe passage rules relating to distance, lookout, etc.. Many of the worst accidents and collisions involve alcohol, like it or not.
I found it very ironic that many of the accidents pointed out not only here, but in discussions around the country, involved boats speeding in NWZ's, or other speed-limited waterways.
One thing that stands out virtually everywhere in the country, is that more enforcement presence is needed. I've never advocated MP's canvassing and harassing the waterways, that leads to no good. At night, the two primary problems are alcohol and boats without lights. Both of these problems can be addressed by proper enforcement.
On a brief weekend on Winni, I noted MP's presence in key areas, but violations going on all around them. Perhaps they were just coming up with a game plan for next year, and everyone was taking notes on what the most common problems are. We sure did that on this board.
But your hints are well taken. Aside from the MP's and most of us regular boaters, there are some that took this opportunity to gain as much control over their pet peeves as possible. I think they've pretty much achieved all they possibly can, and a saner approach will prevail in the future. I also hope that by the actual passage of the SL law, it gave a solid reality check to those that did ignore the warnings that they should police their own, report problems, and deal with it before other dealt with it first. Nobody will stick up for a reckless cowboy (usually), but now people have to do more than just remain silent.
Rights and privileges have to be earned, and they can be taken away because of the actions of a few. This is why I suggested a strong group of boaters should form a liaison with the MP, an alliance if you will. This didn't happen on another lake, which has deteriorated into total animosity towards trigger happy (just a term), badge wearers that make life miserable for most. Most boaters are pretty reasonable folks, and I think they understand that there is a better outcome than being punished for the actions of others.
I'm surprised that not many have delved into the aspects of even a few of the accidents posted here by some. Contained within many of the articles is a microcosm of what the problems are on today's waterways.